In the episode, entitled "The New Rachel," Rachel Berry (Spring Awakening's Lea Michele) will be thrown straight into classes at the fictional New York Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she will encounter a challenging NYADA professor played by recurring guest star Kate Hudson.

The first episode of the season will also feature covers of Adele's "Chasing Pavements," the first group number of the season, and Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind," performed by Michele and newcomer Melissa Benoist ("Homeland," "The Good Wife").